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FREDERICK, MD. – Frederick County and the City of Frederick today released our area's first Community-Wide Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP).  This plan is a comprehensive roadmap for tackling climate change and preparing the community for its impacts.

“Climate change is not a distant threat – it is already affecting Frederick County through rising temperatures, stronger storms, and increased flooding,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “This plan reflects the voices of our community and charts a clear path forward on protecting public health, strengthening our economy, and ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for everyone.”

The CEAP is the product of more than a year of collaboration between government, people in the community, businesses, and nonprofit partners. The plan uses data and scientific analysis to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to strengthen the county’s resilience to extreme heat, flooding, severe storms, and other climate hazards.

“The CEAP is data driven, but also and more importantly it is people driven,” says City of Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor. “It’s a collaborative effort on all fronts, between the City, County, and our community”

More than 500 community members participated in public meetings, events, and workshops. Over 650 residents completed surveys to help shape the final plan. The CEAP recommendations directly address concerns expressed by the community such as energy affordability, data centers, farmland preservation, and expanded transportation alternatives.

The plan builds on existing local efforts and ensures that Frederick County bases its ongoing efforts on measurable, current, local data. It also aligns with state and international standards for mitigation and resilience plans.

With the CEAP’s release, Frederick County and the City of Frederick are focusing on five next steps:

• Continued community engagement and partnership building.
• Transparent reporting on climate trends.
• Piloting local solutions.
• Ensuring code compliance.
• Advocating for supportive policies.

The full Frederick Community-Wide Climate and Energy Action Plan is available at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ClimateAction.

The Frederick County Sustainability Commission and the Division of Energy and Environment have announced this year’s Sustainability Award recipients.

FREDERICK, Md.– The Frederick County Sustainability Commission and the Division of Energy and Environment have announced this year’s Sustainability Award recipients. The nominees and award winners were recognized during the annual Green Homes Program Recognition Event held on October 20. Honorees were selected based on their leadership, innovation, and success in furthering Frederick County’s sustainability goals.

The awards were presented as follows: 

Tree Trekkers – Category: Commercial Enterprise- 50 or Fewer Employees. This local business has preserved thirty acres of forest in a rapidly developing area of the county, offering an outdoor recreation experience that gets people “off the screen and into the green”. Through invasive species removal, native plant restoration, and pollinator gardens, Tree Trekkers is fostering environmental stewardship, clean air, and sustainable lifestyles for future generations.

Frederick County Department of Social Services Green Team – Category: Commercial Enterprise- Over 50 Employees. Staff from this social services agency actively support environmental education and action through community cleanup events, native gardens, tree plantings, and recycling initiatives. They also form local partnerships to lead collaborative events and eco-educational presentations.

Frederick County Master Gardeners – Category: Nonprofit Organization. This group of dedicated volunteers educates people on sustainable “Bay-Wise” landscaping practices that protect local ecosystems and watersheds. Through their demonstration garden and extensive public outreach on composting, native plants, and low-impact gardening principles, they empower individuals to create healthier, more resilient environments right at home.

Wild Sprouts Inc – Category: Nonprofit Organization. A nature-based nonprofit that fosters environmental stewardship through outdoor early childhood education rooted in sustainability, conservation, and hands-on learning. From waste-free practices and native ecosystem lessons, to green administrative operations and community partnerships, Wild Sprouts models what it means to live and teach sustainability every day.

VT Seva Maryland – Category: Student Group. Empowering youth to lead sustainability efforts through upcycling events, battery recycling drives, native plantings, and community education programs across Frederick County. VT Seva Maryland fosters a culture of conscious living and combines environmental action with public awareness, STEAM education, and civic engagement. Students are empowered to take individual action and make a collective impact.

Sarah Frost – Category: Individual. A leader of the Brunswick Green Team, she helped attain Sustainable Maryland certification for the City of Brunswick, bringing sustainability to the forefront of local planning and development. Through plant restoration, invasive species removal, and many collaborative projects, her leadership has left a lasting mark on the city’s environmental future.

Lauren Paulet-Miller – Category: Individual. A transformative leader of environmental efforts across the City of Frederick, from launching a composting program to securing Maryland’s first Bird City designation, Lauren champions sustainable practices through grassroots education. Her work seamlessly blends advocacy, accessibility, and daily action—making Frederick a model for community-driven climate resilience, wildlife protection, and waste reduction.

Deborah Portney – Category: Individual. A dedicated environmental advocate who has empowered the Frederick community to restore native habitats through education, hands-on volunteerism, and the founding of the Wildlife Habitat Advisory Program. Through invasive species removal, native planting, free seed swaps, and collaborative site visits, Deb’s work builds critical habitat corridors that support birds, pollinators, and wildlife across the region.

The Frederick County Division of Energy and Environment serves as the agency liaison to the Frederick County Sustainability Commission. The Sustainability Commission's mission is to represent the natural environment's critical relevance in making community decisions that will sustain for all time a healthy, abundant, affordable, and inspiring place to live and work.  Community members are encouraged to learn more and get involved at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/DEE.

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Program awarded for making sustainability more affordable and accessible for more local households.

FREDERICK, Md.– The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has honored Frederick County Government’s Green Homes Program with a 2025 Climate and Energy Leadership Award for innovation in community sustainability programs. The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing energy efficiency, clean energy, and community resilience.

“Climate action and community equity go hand in hand,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “Frederick County’s Green Homes Program is helping families save money, improve comfort and health, and reduce their environmental impact. This award highlights that by combining grants, community engagement, and personal support, we’re building a sustainable network that reaches every corner of our community.”

The Green Homes Program, led by the Frederick County Division of Energy and Environment, was recognized for its equitable, community-based approach to helping residents create affordable, sustainable, and resilient homes.

The program provides connects people with financial incentives, practical information, and interactive programs that help create more affordable and eco-friendly homes. The Division of Energy and Environment works with trusted community partners to make sustainable living accessible to all—especially low- and moderate-income households.

Over the past year, the Green Homes Program has:

• Provided personalized navigation to help 760+ households receive energy efficiency appliance upgrades and home improvements, green tax incentives, and financial rebates.
• Delivered no-cost energy audits and upgrades through the Power Saver Retrofits initiative, saving participating households an average of $780 per year on utility bills.
• Engaged more than 16,000 community members through outreach events and online education.
• Provided households a way to measure their impact through the Green Homes Challenge, whose participants collectively reduced 15,000 tons of CO₂ emissions and saved 40 million gallons of water last year.

The program works across four main areas—Green Incentives, Green Compass, Green Partnerships, and the Green Homes Challenge—that create a comprehensive and inclusive model for community sustainability. To learn more or get involved, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/GreenHomes.

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